Five Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Pro-Palestine

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict may be one of the most divisive in the world, one with the power to raise emotions and hatred far from the actual territory it divides. From North American college campuses to Hollywood, the conflict is open, bitter and has high stakes for anyone who gets involved.

Those who openly support Palestine often face accusations of anti-Semitism, racism, and worse. But here are a few celebs who have tackled this taboo subject head on. While you may have known some of these, others may surprise you.husniswamp.blogspot.com

Annie Lennox

Ex-Eurythmics singer and human rights activist Annie Lennox is an outspoken critic of the state of Israel and its policies towards the Palestinians. Lennox arose as a leader of the international protest against Israel’s offensive on Gaza in December of 2009, making numerous TV appearances in which she harshly criticized the actions of the Israeli military against Palestinian civilians. She has described IDF actions in Gaza as “pornography of destruction,” and starkly refuses to perform in or visit Israel. She also marched at the front of an anti-war and anti-Israel demonstration in London, a massive event attended by tens of thousands.cozycot.com

Coldplay

Coldplay made headlines in the summer of 2011 when they posted the music video for the single “Freedom for Palestine” by OneWorld on their Facebook page. The song and video explicitly criticize the state of Israel, calling for human rights and justice in the West Bank, and features animated scenes of Palestinians being mistreated at IDF checkpoints.

While Coldplay took no part in producing the song, their Internet endorsement, which garnered over 5,500 “likes” in just a few hours, nonetheless caught the attention of major Israeli media outlets, who criticized the band heavily.theblaze.com

Emma Thompson

British actress Emma Thompson caused a stir when she joined a group of 35 artists protesting the inclusion of an Israeli theater company in a Shakespeare festival in London.

The letter, published in The Guardian newspaper, called out the Israeli theater group for their "shameful record of involvement with illegal Israeli settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territory." Thompson faced heavy criticism from both Israeli and mainstream media for her involvement in the protest.

Thompson is also a member of the British-based ENOUGH! coalition that seeks to end the Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip and West Bank.kassowal.com

Lupe Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco is perhaps the single most outspoken celebrity in terms of his support for Palestine. His lyrics, known for their sharp social and political commentary, have mentioned the conflict explicitly on numerous occasions. His song “Words I Never Said” is thought to be a direct criticism of President Obama for not speaking up against the siege of Gaza. He famously performed with the Palestinian flag at the BET Hip Hop Awards, and made an on-stage speech calling for the creation of a Palestinian state.existenceisresistance.org

Cristiano Ronaldo

Footballer Cristano Ronaldo has been relatively outspoken in his support for Palestine. Media took notice when he appeared to snub an Israeli player by refusing to switch his jersey for an Israeli one after a game in Tel Aviv.

He also donated his Golden Boot award, worth 1.4 million euros, to Palestinian children following the siege of Gaza.ronaldo7.net